4th of July Celebration at Aquila Park

Hundreds of people gathered to the annual St. Louis Park firework celebration at Aquila Park Monday night .

Judge May Begin Ruling On Nonprofits Today

Hopkins nonprofit Vail Place may hear news of their petition.

A Shady Oak Independence Day

Hopkins residents hit the beach at Shady Oak Lake for Independence Day.

Ways to Participate: July 4

A weekly look at happenings in your local government

News From Elsewhere: Minnesota's Government Shutdown

Patch surveys local and national coverage of Minnesota's shutdown.

Best of The West Metro Bloggers

Patch highlights this week's best community bloggers

Ex-Hopkins Guard Ray Cowels Ready For Big Junior Season At Santa Clara

He helped lead Santa Clara to a 24-win season as a sophomore.

Judge rules zoo can reopen

Canterbury Park, Running Acres closed until budget deal reached

How'd They Get Here? A Shutdown Timeline

Patch shows you how the last day of negotiations went down.

Patch Picks: 4th of July Weekend Events

Celebrate our country’s independence with these fun family events

Latz and Simon to Remain in Backgound as Next Round of State Budget Talks Take Place

Both happy to communicate with constituents, but say those who have been negotiating should continue to do so.

Great Escapes: New Ulm

Shutdown got you down? Try a one-day road trip to New Ulm.

Hopkins Police Offer Reward in Car Break-Ins

Police seeking information.

Five Cheapest Prices This Week for Gasoline in West Metro

A weekly roundup of cheap gas prices in the west metro.

Fireworks Displays All Over the Twin Cities

All times designate the start of fireworks shows. Festivities may begin earlier.

12:01 AM: Shutdown Has Officially Begun

Weeks of intense negotiations proved fruitless.

Mental Health Provider Trying To Stay Open

Judge's ruling left its state funding off the 'essential' list.

Burglar Caught By Hopkins Police

The man was responsible for at least two home robberies.

Hopkins Legion Set To Play In Gopher Classic

Hopkins will begin pool play on Friday against Fergus Falls at Eagan High School

Simon Calls Republican Unwillingness to Embrace Dayton Offer as 'Shocking'

Local representative says unhealthy extremism in place as state shutdown begins

Metro Transit to Keep Rolling During Shutdown

However, a long shutdown could deplete reserve funds and cause problems for riders.

Hopkins Jr. Legion Drops Heartbreaker

The Hopkins Junior Legion squad looses lead, game to Eastview Thunder 7 - 6.

Plenty To Do This Patriotic Weekend

Patch helps you plan for when you're off the clock.

(UPDATED) Minnesota Shutdown, Day 6

Impact on Hopkins continues to be mixed.

Hopkins Schools Won't Face Licensing Problems During Shutdown

Most teachers not impacted

Talks Adjourn And Still No Deal At the Capitol

Protestors have booked the capitol steps through 11 PM tonight.

As Budget Deadline Approaches, Two Local Clinics Await Their Fate

The centers in Excelsior and Hopkins, which face closure, are dedicated to the healthcare of teens and young adults.

Shutdown Today: July 7

A collection of government shutdown coverage

Bites Nearby: Beek's Pizza is a Blast From the Past

St. Louis Park pizza shop has been flipping dough for more than five decades

Hopkins Legion Defeats St. Louis Park

It took an extra inning, but Hopkins downed the Railcats 4 - 3.

No Deal As Shutdown Deadline Rolls Closer

Lawmakers and Governor said to be close on many issues.

Blotter: June 20 through June 26

A weekly selection of incidents drawn from Hopkins police files.

Hopkins Point Guard Siyani Chambers Wants Fourth Title

Chambers talks about his busy summer and hopes of winning another title.

Hopkins Police Plan Reward In Break-In Cases

A decision is expected by Friday.

Zoning and Planning Commission OKs Mixed-use Ordinance

While light rail transit is the main cause for the adopting of this first-time-ever ordinance, it will apply throughout all of Hopkins

Judge: School Aid, LGA To Continue In Shutdown

Judge Kathleen Gearin ruled on what's essential.

(VIDEO) How Do I Prep my House for Sale?

Local realtor Cheryl Holds gives you some tips that will take your house from 'for sale' to 'sold'

Hopkins Kicker Brengman Gets Leg Up On Competition

The senior barefoot kicker attended the Alabama and Minnesota team camps.

(SLIDESHOW) A Guided Tour of the Park Nicollet Project

Klodt detailed its plans for Eighth Avenue.

2011 Raspberry Festival: Sporting Events

Work up an appetite for raspberries and other festival foods with the wide variety of sports offered.